FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“Geographical Group Chat using Cell Broadcast System”

APPLICANTS:

Name Nationality Address
TeleDNA Communications Pvt. Ltd. India 3rd Floor, 100Feet Ring Road, BTM 1st Stage Bangalore. PIN 560068, Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-
FIELD OF INVENTION
[001]This invention relates to mobile communications, and more particularly to chat messaging in mobile communications.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002]Instant messaging is a popular way for establishing network communications between network users. Existing instant messaging systems such as chat rooms and group chat applications facilitate users to establish, organize and manage chat sessions among multiple users. However, such instant messaging groups strictly claim identity authentication for users so that the users belonging to a particular chat group can neither send or receive information belonging to another instant chat group nor join for a discussion of a topic in another chat group. In contrast, in case of a chat room system, a particular user can communicate with more than one user at a time without any authentication using an anonymous login.
[003]Mobile network operators also offer group chat services as a value added service for their customers. The implementation of group chat services requires the mobile device to support General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS support is not available in every mobile device; and further GPRS supported mobile devices are expensive compared to other mobile devices available in the present day market. This adds to the cost for the users who are interested in incorporating group chat applications into their mobile devices.
[004]Currently offered group chat services do not follow a standard format to transfer different contents between users participating in the chat session, thus making it difficult to exchange contents or messages across different users belonging to different chat rooms or chat groups.
[005]Furthermore, most of the mobile devices today require internet connection to facilitate group chat among users. However, persistent internet connection may not be available to mobile users because persistent internet connection is driven by cost and battery life conditions associated with individual mobile devices. Due to the above drawbacks group chat applications are not very popular among mobile device users.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[006]The principal object of this invention is to facilitate group chatting in mobile devices.
[007]Another object of the invention is to allow non subscribed mobile device users to activate group chat instantaneously by downloading a chat module.
[008]A further object of the invention is to facilitate group chat services among mobile device users without using GPRS.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[009]Accordingly the invention provides a system comprising of a group chat module which is characterized in that for broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices, sending a configuration message to the mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of a response message from atleast one of the plurality of mobile devices, receiving a group chat message from the user of the mobile device, converting the group chat message to a chat message, sending the chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) of the network operator and a means to display chat messages received from the group chat module on the mobile device.
[0010] A group chat module for facilitating group chat service on a mobile device configured for broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices, receiving a response message from mobile devices for the group chat invitation, sending a configuration message to the mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of the response message, receiving group chat message from the user of the mobile device, converting the SMS message to a chat message and sending the chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC).
[0011]A mobile device comprising of a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) mobile client module configured for receiving converted chat messages from a group chat module, displaying the chat messages on the screen of the mobile device and storing chat history of the users and displaying the chat history on request from the user.
[0012]There is also provided a method of group chat in a mobile device. The method comprising steps of a group chat module broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices, sending a configuration message to the mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of a response message from atleast one of the plurality of mobile devices, the group chat module receiving group chat message from the user of the mobile device, the group chat module converting the SMS message to a chat message. Further, group chat module sending the chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC), CBC broadcasting the chat message to a plurality of users present in a chat room and a CBC mobile client module on a mobile device for displaying chat messages on the mobile device.
[0013]These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014]This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates system components of group chat service to mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) mobile client module on a mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017]FIG. 3 illustrates a group chat module, network operator CBC and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018]FIG. 4 illustrates a group chat module provided with CBC and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019]FIG. 5 illustrates a group chat module provided with a CBC, an SMSC and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0020]FIGs. 6 and 7 are flow charts depicting sequence of steps in group chat process, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0021]The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0022]The embodiments herein achieve group chat service among mobile device users by incorporating systems and methods thereof. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0023]The embodiments herein disclose a method for providing group chat service to mobile device users. A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) mobile client module is present in the mobile device of a user to allow the user to access group chat service. The group chat service functions as a geographical group chat service allowing user’s currently located in a single base station coverage area or multiple base stations grouped together or the entire network to chat with each other. A group chat module broadcasts a group chat invitation message to mobile device users. Users who are interested in chatting can join the group chat by subscribing for the service. The group chat module then confirms the user for the service and mobile device of user is configured to tune the channel for chat room in which the user is interested. Once the mobile device of the user is tuned to the specified channel, the user can start communication with the chat room members by sending his message to the desired chat room. The message may contain chat room name along with the message user would like to send. The message is sent to group chat module in the form of a Short Message Service (SMS) message. The group chat module sends the message to a message handling module, which converts the SMS message into a chat message and sends the chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC). Further, the CBC broadcasts the chat message to the chat room.
[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates system components of group chat service to mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The system comprises a group chat module 101, an Intelligent Network (IN) server 102, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 103, network operator’s Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 104, network 108 and a plurality of mobile device users i.e., user 105, user 106 and user 107.
[0025]The group chat module 101 is responsible for organizing, maintaining and handling chat sessions of users 105, 106 and 107. Group chat module 101 can also be modified by the network operator depending on the required applications such as providing group chat service for a particular geographic area, wherein geographic area limits may be defined by the network operator. The group chat module 101 sends an invitation message to a user 105 of mobile device. The invitation message may be a message for inviting the user 105 for a group chat and also including information regarding the types of chat rooms available in which the user 105 may be interested. Type of chat room could mean the topic of chat in a particular chat room. In an example, chat room A could be maintained for discussing sports, chat room B could be for discussing politics, chat room C could be for discussing music and the like. The invitation messages may be sent on a common broadcast channel number. Every user 105 who has enabled broadcast message reception may receive the chat invitation message from the group chat module 101. Further, the chat invitation message may be received in the form of an SMS message by the user 105 on his mobile device. On accepting the invitation, user 105 may send an SMS message to the group chat module 101 providing details regarding his chat name, chat room of interest and the like. The details of the user 105 may be stored in the subscription profile module against the Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) of the user 105. Further, the group chat module 101 sends a control message to configure the mobile device for the specified chat room channel.
[0026]The group chat module 101 sends the configuration message to the mobile device to tune the mobile device to a specific channel depending on the chat room selected by the user using the Over The Air (OTA) messages. The group chat module 101 also performs the function of broadcasting the chat message sent by the user 105 of mobile device to the chat room chosen by him. During the process, the group chat module 101 converts the chat messages received from the user 105 (which is in the form of an SMS message) into a format suitable for the CBC to broadcast the chat message to the chat room. The conversion is done by a sub module provided in the group chat module 101 called as message handling module. Further, the chat message is sent to the network operator’s CBC 104.
[0027]The IN server 102 is a network server that is responsible for maintaining the account settings of the user 105. On the request of the group chat module, the IN server 102 then checks the account details of the user 105, to know if the user is a pre-paid user.. In case user 105 is registered for pre-paid service, IN server 102 determines if the user 105 has sufficient balance for him to access the group chat service. If the user 105 has sufficient balance, the IN server 102 deducts the subscription amount and responds with a confirmation to the group chat module 101 to activate the group chat service. On receiving the confirmation from the IN server 102, the group chat module 101 activates the group chat service. If the user 105 does not have sufficient balance for the service, the IN server responds accordingly to the group chat module and the group chat module informs the user that his account balance is low and his request to join chat room has been rejected. User 105 is charged for the group chat messages sent by him based on the configuration for the service activation. In an embodiment herein, the user 105 may be charged for SMS messages sent by him and not for any messages received from the chat room.
[0028]The SMSC 103 interfaces with sub modules of group chat module 101 (i.e., subscription profile module and message handling module). SMSC 103 works on the principle of store and forward mechanism i.e., SMSC 103 stores the SMS message received from the user 105 of mobile device sent through the network 108 and forwards the stored SMS message, to the destination specified (that is group chat module 101 in the present case). In an embodiment, the SMSC 103 may employ Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) V3.4 protocol to interface the SMSC 103 to the group chat module 101. The SMPP V3.4 queries the status of the message stored in the SMSC 103, schedules the delivery of a message or even cancels a message from the SMSC 103. In an embodiment, SMSC 103 may also send an invitation message to the user 105 inviting the user 105 for group chat service.
[0029]The CBC 104 interfaces with the group chat module 101. CBC 104 is used for simultaneously delivery of messages to multiple users in a specified area. The network operator’s CBC 104 receives the converted SMS message from the group chat module 101 in a format suitable for group chat and broadcasts the message to the chat room. In an embodiment, the CBC 104 may employ Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) V5.0 protocol to interface the CBC 104 to the group chat module 101. SMPP V5.0 handles interfacing functions between the CBC 104 and group chat module 101 such as scheduling delivery of chat message to all the members of a chat room and so on. In another embodiment, the CBC 104 may also be used by the group chat module 101 to send invitation messages to the user 105 of mobile device inviting him for group chat service.
[0030]The network 108 acts as a medium for the transmission of the SMS messages to the group chat module 101 and receiving the chat messages and further sending the chat messages to the members of the chat room.
[0031]Several users 105, 106 and 107 can employ group chat service by installing a CBC mobile client module on their mobile device. The user 105 is provided with a module on his mobile device called CBC mobile client module. The CBC mobile client module can be downloaded by the user 105 on his mobile device by either sending a request for download in the form of an SMS message to the group chat module 101 or through data session means such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) by means of a WAP browser in the mobile device.
[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates the CBC mobile client module on a mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The CBC mobile client module 201 installed in the mobile device can be downloaded by the user 105 by sending an SMS message to the group chat module 101 or through a data session such as a WAP session by means of a WAP browser. The CBC mobile client module 201 may provide a display of the broadcasted message by the group chat module 101 on the screen of the mobile device. In addition, the CBC mobile client module 201 also provides a user friendly interface for the user 105 to access the group chat service. The CBC mobile client module 201 may be equipped with a means for storing the chat history of chat session so that the user 105 can view the history of his chats when desired. The CBC mobile client module 201 allows the user 105 to send messages to the group chat module 101 for configuration of his chat sessions such as assigning a name, which he would like to use for group chat and the like.
[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates a group chat module, network operator CBC and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The group chat module 101 is responsible for initiating group chat sessions by sending an invitation message to user 105 of mobile device. Furthermore, the group chat module 101 is responsible for maintaining chat sessions active by transferring the chat messages to and from the user 105 to chat room members and so on. The group chat module 101 comprises of two sub modules: a subscription profile module 301 and a message handling module 302. The subscription profile module 301 integrates with the operators provisioning system for mobile device users 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service and integrates with the operator’s SMSC 103. Subscription profile module 301 sends invitation message to the user 105 to join group chat. The invitation message may be a message for inviting the user 105 for a group chat and also including information regarding the types of chat rooms available in which the user 105 may be interested. Type of chat room could mean the topic of chat in a particular chat room. The Subscription profile module 301 enables the group chat services for users 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service with the network operator. The subscription profile module 301 stores subscription details of the user 105 when the user 105 subscribes for the group chat service. Details such as chat name preferred by the user 105 to be used in chat room, if the user 105 is a pre-paid subscriber or post paid subscriber, the type of chat room chosen by him and the like may be stored in the subscription profile module 301. Further, OTA configuration messages may be sent by the subscription profile module 301 to the user 105 to configure the mobile device of the user 105 for a particular channel depending on the chat room preferred by the user 105.
[0034]The message handling module 302 integrates with the operator’s SMSC 103. The message handling module 302 may receive chat message from the user 105, who has subscribed for the group chat service in the form of an SMS message. Furthermore, the chat messages received from the user 105 is in the form of an SMS message, which cannot be used for group chat in chat rooms. Hence, the SMS messages are to be converted into a format suitable to be used for group chat. The Message handling module 302 receives the SMS messages from the user 105 and converts the SMS message into a format suitable to be sent to the chat rooms. The converted chat message is then sent to network operator’s CBC 104 for sending the chat message to all the members of the specified chat room.
[0035]The IN server 102 is a network server that is responsible for maintaining the account settings of the user 105. On the request of the group chat module, the IN server 102 then checks the account details of the user 105, to know if the user is a pre-paid user.. In case user 105 is registered for pre-paid service, IN server 102 determines if the user 105 has sufficient balance for him to access the group chat service. If the user 105 has sufficient balance, the IN server 102 deducts the subscription amount and responds with a confirmation to the group chat module 101 to activate the group chat service. On receiving the confirmation from the IN server 102, the group chat module 101 activates the group chat service. If the user 105 does not have sufficient balance for the service, the IN server responds accordingly to the group chat module and the group chat module informs the user that his account balance is low and his request to join chat room was rejected.
[0036]The SMSC 103 works on the principle of store and forward mechanism i.e., SMSC 103 stores the SMS message received from the user 105 of mobile device sent through the network 108 and forwards the stored SMS message, to the group chat module 101.
[0037]The CBC 104 provided is the network operator’s CBC 104 in this case. CBC 104 handles the function of sending the messages to the chosen chat room members. The CBC 104 interfaces with group chat module 101. The network operator’s CBC 104 receives the converted SMS message from the group chat module 101, into a format suitable for group chat and broadcasts the message to the chat room. In an embodiment, the CBC 104 may employ Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) V5.0 protocol to interface the CBC 104 to the group chat module 101. SMPP V5.0 handles interfacing functions between the CBC 104 and group chat module 101 such as scheduling delivery of chat message to all the members of a chat room. Advanced infrastructures make use of GIS-based interfaces for definition of the used areas.
[0038]FIG. 4 illustrates a group chat module provided with CBC module and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The group chat module 101 may employ a CBC 104 provided by a network operator or in case the network operator’s CBC 104 is not available the group chat module 101 may employ its own CBC 401 as shown in FIG. 3. The group chat module 101 is responsible for initiating group chat sessions by sending an invitation message to user 105 of mobile device. Group chat module 101 maintains chat sessions active by transferring the chat messages to and from the user 105 to chat room members and so on. The group chat module 101 comprises of sub modules: subscription profile module 301, message handling module 302 and CBC 401. The subscription profile module 301 integrates with the operators provisioning system for mobile device users 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service and integrates with the operator’s SMSC 103. Subscription profile module 301 enables the group chat services for user 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service with the network operator. The subscription profile module 301 sends invitation message to the user 105 to join group chat. The invitation message may be a message for inviting the user 105 for a group chat and also including information regarding the types of chat rooms available in which the user 105 may be interested. The subscription profile module stores subscription details of user 105 when the user 105 subscribes for the group chat service. Details such as chat name preferred by the user 105 to be used in chat room, if the user 105 is a pre-paid subscriber or post paid subscriber, the type of chat room chosen by him and the like may be stored in the subscription profile module 301. Further, OTA configuration messages may be sent by the subscription profile module 301 to the user 105 to configure the mobile device of the user 105 for a particular channel depending on the chat room preferred by the user 105.
[0039]Message handling module 302 sits in the group chat module 101. Message handling module 302 integrates with the operator’s SMSC 103. Message handling module 302 may receive chat message from the user 105 who has subscribed for the group chat service in the form of an SMS message. Furthermore, the chat messages received from the user 105 is in the form of an SMS message, which cannot be used for group chat in chat rooms. Hence, the SMS messages are to be converted into a format suitable to be used for group chat. The Message handling module 302 receives the SMS messages from the user 105 and converts the SMS message into a format suitable to be sent to the chat rooms (i.e., SMS message is converted into a chat message). The converted chat message is then sent to CBC 401 for sending the chat message to all the members of the specified chat room. The CBC 401 interfaces with group chat module 101. The CBC 401 receives the converted SMS message from the group chat module 101, into a format suitable for group chat and broadcasts the message to the chat room. Cell Broadcast messages are then sent from CBC module 401 to the cells, in accordance with the network coverage requirements.
[0040]The IN server 102 is a network server that is responsible for maintaining the account settings of the user 105. On the request of the group chat module, the IN server 102 then checks the account details of the user 105, to know if the user is a pre-paid user.. In case user 105 is registered for pre-paid service, IN server 102 determines if the user 105 has sufficient balance for him to access the group chat service. If the user 105 has sufficient balance, the IN server 102 deducts the subscription amount and responds with a confirmation to the group chat module 101 to activate the group chat service. On receiving the confirmation from the IN server 102, the group chat module 101 activates the group chat service. If the user 105 does not have sufficient balance for the service, the IN server responds accordingly to the group chat module and the group chat module informs the user that his account balance is low and his request to join chat room was rejected.
[0041]The SMSC 103 works on the principle of store and forward mechanism i.e., SMSC 103 stores the SMS message received from the user 105 of mobile device sent through the network 108 and forwards the stored SMS message, to the group chat module 101.
[0042]FIG. 5 illustrates a group chat module provided with a CBC, a SMSC and communication network components, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The group chat module 101 may comprise of CBC 401, SMSC 501 within the group chat module 101. The group chat module 101 is responsible for initiating group chat sessions by sending an invitation message to user 105 of mobile device. Group chat module 101 maintains chat sessions active by transferring the chat messages to and from the user 105 to chat room members and so on. The group chat module 101 comprises of sub modules: subscription profile module 301, message handling module 302, a SMSC 501 and CBC 401.
[0043]The subscription profile module 301 integrates with the operators provisioning system for mobile device users 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service and integrates with the SMSC 501. Subscription profile module 301 enables the group chat services for user 105 who have subscribed for the group chat service with the network operator. The subscription profile module 301 sends invitation message to the user 105 to join group chat. The invitation message may be a message for inviting the user 105 for a group chat and also including information regarding the types of chat rooms available in which the user 105 may be interested. The subscription profile module 301 stores subscription details of user 105, when the user 105 subscribes for the group chat service. Details such as chat name preferred by the user 105 to be used in chat room, if the user 105 is a pre-paid subscriber or post paid subscriber, the type of chat room chosen by him and the like may be stored in the subscription profile module 301. Further, on-the-air configuration messages may be sent by the subscription profile module 301 to the user 105 to configure the mobile device of the user 105 for a particular channel depending on the chat room preferred by the user 105.
[0044]Message handling module 302 sits in the group chat module 101. Message handling module 302 integrates with the SMSC 501. Message handling module 302 may receive chat message from the user 105 who has subscribed for the group chat service in the form of an SMS message. Furthermore, the chat messages received from the user 105 is in the form of an SMS message, which cannot be used for group chat in chat rooms. Hence, the SMS messages are to be converted into a format suitable to be used for group chat. The Message handling module 302 receives the SMS messages from the user 105 and converts the SMS message into a format suitable to be sent to the chat rooms (i.e., SMS message is converted into a chat message). The converted chat message is then sent to CBC 401 for broadcasting the chat message to the specified chat room.
[0045]The CBC 401 interfaces with group chat module 101. The CBC 401 receives the converted SMS message from the group chat module 101, and broadcasts the message to the chat room. Cell Broadcast messages are then broadcasted from CBC 401 to the cells, in accordance with the network coverage requirements.
[0046]The SMSC 501 may also be provided within the group chat module 101. The SMSC 501 performs the same functions as that of operator’s SMSC. SMSC 501 works on the principle of store and forward mechanism i.e., SMSC 501 stores the SMS message received from the user 105 of mobile device sent through the network 108 and forwards the stored SMS message, to the group chat module 101.
[0047]The IN server 102 is a network server that is responsible for maintaining the account settings of the user 105. On the request of the group chat module, the IN server 102 then checks the account details of the user 105, to know if the user is a pre-paid user.. In case user 105 is registered for pre-paid service, IN server 102 determines if the user 105 has sufficient balance for him to access the group chat service. If the user 105 has sufficient balance, the IN server 102 deducts the subscription amount and responds with a confirmation to the group chat module 101 to activate the group chat service. On receiving the confirmation from the IN server 102, the group chat module 101 activates the group chat service. If the user 105 does not have sufficient balance for the service, the IN server responds accordingly to the group chat module and the group chat module informs the user that his account balance is low and his request to join chat room was rejected.
[0048]FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting sequence of group chat process, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The user receives (601) a promotional message indicating the availability of the group chat service. The promotional message may be sent by the network operator. If the user 105 is interested in subscribing to the group chat service, he sends (602) a response message to the group chat module requesting for subscription. The response message sent by the user may be in the form of a SMS. Further, on receiving the subscription request, the group chat module 101 interfaces with the IN server 102 to check for account details of the user 105. The IN server 102 makes a check (603) if the user is a pre-paid user. If the user 105 is a pre-paid user, the IN server 102 checks (604) his account balance to determine if the user 105 has sufficient balance in his account to access group chat service. If user 105 does not have sufficient balance, the user 105 is informed (610) that the subscription request could not be granted. On the other hand, if the user 105 is a post-paid user or a pre-paid user with sufficient balance in his account, the user 105 is charged (605) for the subscription to the group chat service. If the user is a pre-paid user with sufficient balance in his account, then the fees for the subscription to the group chat service is deducted from the account of the user 105. If the user is a post-paid user, then the fees for the group chat service is incorporated into his monthly billing statement. Once the user has been charged, the group chat module 105 creates (606) a user profile for the user 105 and informs the user of the successful subscription for the group chat service by sending (607) a confirmation message. The group chat module 101 then makes a check (608) if user 105 has the CBC mobile client module 201 installed on his mobile device in order to activate group chat. In case the user 105 does not have the CBC mobile client module 201 installed, the group chat module sends (609) a notification to the user to download the CBC mobile client module 201.The notification may be in the form of a SMS. The user 105 can download the CBC mobile client module 201 by sending an SMS request to the group chat module 101 or through a WAP session by means of a WAP browser. On completion of download the CBC mobile client module 201 gets installed on the mobile device of user 105. The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 6 may be omitted.
[0049]FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting sequence of group chat process, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Group chat module 101 broadcasts (701) group chat invitation message to users 105, 106, 107. The invitation message may be a message in the form of an SMS message or a broadcast message, which may contain details such as names of the chat rooms, topics of chat rooms, activities of the chat group and also instructions on how to join the group and the like. In an example, chat room A could be maintained for discussion on sports, chat room B could be for discussion on politics, chat room C could be for discussion on music and the like. On sending the invitation message, the group chat module 101 waits for a response message from the mobile device users 105, 106 107. This is done to make a check (702) as to if any of the users 105, 106, 107 are interested in joining the group chat. In case some users say user 107 and user 106 are not interested in group chat, as no response message is received from users 107 and 106 the process exits (603) for users 107, 106. On the other hand, if user 105 is interested in joining the group chat, he sends (704) a SMS message with details about him such as the type of chat room he may like to join, nickname he may like to specify, and the like. In an example, the user may want to join chat room A for discussion on sports with a nickname Ted and the like, then the message sent by the user may be of the format “Ted A”. The message sent by the user may also be of the following format: “A Ted”. The group chat module 101 sends (705) an OTA configuration message to the user’s 105 mobile device. The configuration message configures the mobile device of user 105 to the channel, according to the chat room chosen by the user 105 for group chat. If user 105 is interested in chat room A for discussion on sports, the mobile device of user 105 is configured by the configuration message to tune the channel to send messages to chat room A. In an embodiment, user 105 may send chat messages to any other chat room but cannot receive messages from other chat rooms as his mobile device is not configured for those channels. User 105 may now begin chatting with the members of the chat room A. When the user wants to send a message to the chat room, the user 105 sends (706) a message to the group chat module 101. The chat message sent by user 105 may be in the form of SMS message, which may be in the form of “chat_room_name” followed by “chat message”. In an embodiment, the chat message sent in the form of SMS message to group chat module 101 can also be in the form of “chat message” without a chat room name specified. In such a case, chat_room_name is taken as default and sent to the chat room to which the user has tuned his mobile device or to the chat room set as default. The message handling module 302 in the group chat module 101 converts (707) the message sent by user 105, which is in the form of SMS message into a chat message, which is in a suitable format to be sent to the chat room. The message handling module 302 sends (708) the chat message to CBC module either belonging to the network operator i.e., network operator CBC 104 or the CBC module 401 within the group chat module 101. Further, CBC module 401 or network operator’s CBC 104 broadcasts (709) the chat message to the chat group chosen by the user 105. The various actions in method 700 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 7 may be omitted.
[0050]In an embodiment, the group chat module may be implemented to enhance the utilization of cell broadcast services with network operators. In an example, network operators providing Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) services can offer the group chat service as a value added service for their customers. The service can also be offered to users who do not have GPRS support in their mobile devices. Subscribed users can instantaneously send and receive chat messages through SMS message and cell broadcast. Subscribed users can download a CBC mobile client module by sending a request message in the form of SMS message to the group chat module in the network. Once the CBC mobile client module is downloaded and installed in the mobile device of the user, user can communicate with members of a chat room of his choice. Since the group chat service employs cell broadcast technology for sending chat messages, network overheads are reduced.
[0051]The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module. The embodiment disclosed herein describes a method for group chat in mobile device. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0052]The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A system for group chat in a mobile device, said system comprising of
at least one means configured for:
broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices;
sending a configuration message to said mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of a response message from atleast one of said plurality of mobile devices;
receiving a group chat message from said user of said mobile device;
converting said group chat message to a chat message;
sending said chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) of the network operator; and
a means to display said chat messages on said mobile device.
2. The system as in claim 1, wherein said group chat module is configured to store subscription details of user’s who subscribe for said group chat service.
3. The system as in claim 1, wherein said group chat module is configured to interface with an Intelligent Network (IN) server to check user’s account details.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said group chat module is configured to tune said mobile device to a specific channel by sending said configuration message to said mobile device, wherein said channel is specific to a chat room selected by user of said mobile device.
5. The system as in claim 1, wherein said CBC mobile client module is configured to store chat history of said user.
6. A group chat module for facilitating group chat service on a mobile device, said group chat module comprising of atleast one means configured for:
broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices;
receiving a response message from mobile devices for said group chat invitation;
sending a configuration message to said mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of said response message;
receiving a group chat message from a user of said mobile device;
converting said group chat message to a chat message; and
sending said chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC).
7. A group chat module as in claim 6, wherein said group chat module comprises of said CBC, wherein said CBC is configured for:
receiving a chat message from said group chat module; and
broadcasting said chat message to chat room.

8. A group chat module as in claim 6, wherein said group chat module comprises of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), wherein said SMSC is configured for:
receiving chat message from said user; and
forwarding chat message to said group chat module.
9. A group chat module as in claim 6, wherein said group chat module comprises of said CBC and said SMSC.
10. A group chat module as in claim 6, wherein said group chat module is configured for interfacing with an Intelligent Network (IN) server for checking user’s account details.
11. A mobile device comprising of a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) mobile client module, said module configured for
receiving chat messages broadcasted from a CBC module on said mobile device;
displaying said chat messages on the screen of said mobile device; and
storing chat history of users and displaying said chat history on request from said user.
12. A method for enabling group chat in a mobile device using a communication network by providing a group chat module, a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) mobile client module, a CBC and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC), said method comprising steps of
a group chat module broadcasting a group chat invitation to a plurality of mobile devices;
said group chat module sending a configuration message to said mobile device for channel configuration, on receipt of a response message from atleast one of said plurality of mobile devices;
said group chat module receiving a group chat message from a user of said mobile device;
said group chat module converting said group chat message to a chat message;
said group chat module sending said chat message to a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC);
said CBC broadcasting said chat message to a chat room; and
a CBC mobile client module on a mobile device for displaying said chat messages on said mobile device.
13. The method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said group chat module stores subscription details of user’s who subscribe for said group chat service.
14. The method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said group chat module interfaces with an Intelligent Network (IN) server to check user’s account details.

15. The method, as claimed in claim 12, wherein said response message indicates name of chat room said user wants to join and username said user wants to use.
16. The method as in claim 12, wherein said configuration message tunes said mobile device to a channel specific to said chat room.
17. The method as in claim 12, wherein said user sends said chat message to said group chat module in the form of an SMS message.

Dated this 2nd November 2009

Mr. Nishant Kewalramani
Patent Agent